Visitors and residents in Dubai are being reminded of the UAE’s strict road safety laws after a motorist was caught on camera endangering his child’s life by allowing the child to sit on his lap while driving. 

Dubai Police’s advanced smart detection systems identified the violation, highlighting the city’s commitment to ensuring the highest safety standards on its roads.

According to Federal Traffic Law, front-seat passengers must be at least 145 cm tall and over the age of 10, a rule designed to protect young children from serious injuries in the event of an accident. The incident was recorded by Dubai Police’s technical monitoring devices, and authorities swiftly took action by summoning the driver and confiscating the vehicle.

Major General Saif Muhair Al Mazrouei, Director of the General Department of Traffic at Dubai Police, emphasized the dangers of allowing children to sit in the front seat, citing risks of severe injuries or even fatalities in crashes. “Airbags deploy with great force, which can be extremely dangerous for children seated improperly. Seatbelts in the front are also designed for adults, increasing the risk of head, chest, or neck injuries for younger passengers,” he warned.

Dubai Police’s smart monitoring systems continue to enhance road safety by detecting and recording high-risk behaviour, ensuring swift intervention. Authorities also urge residents and visitors to report reckless driving via the “Police Eye” feature on the Dubai Police app or the “We Are All Police” hotline at 901.

(Source: X, GT)

Get ready, bookworms. The Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF 2025) is back, and it’s bigger and better than ever. Running from April 23 to May 4 at Expo Centre Sharjah, this year’s edition promises a lineup packed with thrilling events, celebrity authors, and non-stop fun for children and young adults.

Expect 12 days of magic with interactive workshops, theatrical performances, live storytelling, and artistic showcases. And that’s not all: Renowned authors, illustrators, and publishers will be there for meet-and-greets, book signings, and exclusive panels.

The festival will also unveil the winners of prestigious literary awards, including the Sharjah Children’s Book Award and the Sharjah Audio Book Award.

Speaking about the festival, Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), emphasised the emirate’s dedication to fostering a love for books among children. “Sharjah firmly believes that books are fundamental in shaping a child’s development and imagination,” he stated.

More than just a book festival, SCRF 2025 is an epic celebration of imagination, storytelling, and knowledge, and it’s the place to be for young minds looking to explore, create, and dream big.

(Source: Wam)

Dubai is set to become an even more dazzling city as stunning artwork takes over its public spaces and residential areas and turns the city into an open-air art museum. The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has partnered with the Dubai Municipality to enhance the city’s visual identity by bringing more artistic experiences to public spaces and residential areas. This collaboration aligns with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which focuses on sustainable urban development designed around people.

Under this new agreement, Dubai Culture will oversee the selection of artworks and installations, ensuring they align with the city’s beautification plan. Meanwhile, the Dubai Municipality will identify prime locations and coordinate with authorities to secure the necessary approvals for these public art projects.

Turning Dubai into Open-Air Art Museum

Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture, emphasised the importance of this initiative in transforming Dubai’s streets and public spaces into an open-air art museum. She highlighted that this move will support local artists, promote creativity, and boost Dubai’s reputation as a cultural and artistic hub.

“Through our Public Art Strategy, we aim to empower artists, enhance the local art scene,” Badri stated.

Eng. Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Acting Director General of Dubai Municipality, echoed these sentiments, saying: “This partnership is a key step in integrating art with urban development. We want to ensure Dubai remains a global city of creativity and innovation.”

He further added that these artistic landmarks will enrich the city’s public spaces, making Dubai a world-class model for sustainable and people-focused urban design.

A More Beautiful, Creative City

Residents and visitors can soon look forward to breathtaking artistic displays in their everyday surroundings, making Dubai a vibrant and visually stunning city like never before.

(Source: Wam)